International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
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Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. · Jul 1992
Case ReportsUrgent adenotonsillectomy for upper airway obstruction.
Adenotonsillar hypertrophy has been documented to cause chronic upper airway obstruction resulting in cardiopulmonary sequelae in children. It has been less recognized that long-term adenotonsillar hypertrophy may additionally cause acute, life-threatening airway obstruction. ⋯ Observations of cyanosis, cor pulmonale, and use of accessory respiratory muscles were carefully recorded. This study illustrates that life-threatening upper airway obstruction may be due to chronic adenotonsillar enlargement and require treatment by urgent adenotonsillectomy.